tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41199791657406242032024-03-04T22:08:16.511-08:00OUT IN WOOP WOOPCruisin the countryside in our Skyline Koala 26SSBrian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-70345642302733826892013-01-28T19:19:00.001-08:002013-01-28T20:32:51.786-08:00KAELA OUR LOVABLE POOCHKaela, our wonderful dog, passed away last Saturday night. She passed away at 17 years old, in her sleep, after having a stroke. She died at home with Brian and I hugging her. She never seemed in pain or scared, she seemed ready and peaceful.<br />
We love you baby girl. <br />
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Link to a little
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtFLVkXKIVI">vid I made</a>
to remember her by
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Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-55709583785865477292013-01-25T07:51:00.001-08:002013-01-25T07:53:16.220-08:00Woop Woop has a little sister :-)Brian and I bought back our beloved Buttercup, a Casita 17 Spirit Delux. Though we love big Woop Woop, Buttercup will allow us to explore the nooks and crannies. This summer we are taking her ( buttercup) up into the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. We will still have Woop Woop, she will serve as a home while we replenish our cruising/roaming fund.<br />
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Below, Buttercup, back in the Family :-)<br />
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Well, can't believe how long it's been and how much has happened since our last post. I'll try to catch you up without boring you to death :-).Summer 2012 Brian and I went land roaming. My doctors said I needed time to "heal" ( I had brain surgery for those just tuning in :-)). So we headed north, camped in the great Wind River mountains of Wyoming, explored the miles and miles of deserted beaches of Lake Superior. We then headed towards the east coast to John Hopkins Hospital for some more medical tests. My health was not improving, in fact, I was deteriorating. John Hopkins was able to DX a CSF leak. Cerebral Spinal leaks will cause all sorts off issues. This leak was caused or occurred because of the brain surgery. There are few specialists who have success finding and repairing leaks of this nature. Cedar Sanai in Los Angeles, California specializes in CSF leaks. So off to LA we went. Thankfully, we have a friend who lives 9 miles from Cedars :-). Thanks Chris!! Plus my mom flew out to help Brian while I was in the hospital. At no point was I alone, mom or Brian was always with me.<br />
The surgery was major, but it has completely cured me. No more light sensitivity, no more sound sensitivity, and no more head Pain! Wahoo!<br />
On the flip side. My poor brain and body have been through the ringer, so lots of Physical therapy to get my strength back. Through out all this crazy ride, my hubby Brian has been wonderful. Our families unbelievably supportive. It funny how many great times we have had while battling my health issues. <br />
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We are selling our sailboat Rain Dog to do some land exploring and charter a catamaran in the Caribbean :-). We think a cat or tri will be our next boat if we cruise the shallow waters of the Caribbean. We also might have the opportunity to take care of an island off the tip of South America :-) We are very much nomads, so who knows what we will be doing! I do know we will be having fun and deliriously happy because we are together.<br />
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Below: Brian and I before my last surgery, which cured me :-). I start aquatic therapy Monday :-)<br />
the next picture is of Brian and Chris, our friend in LA. The christmas tree was a gift from Chris ( instead of flowers, pretty cool) we had fun decorating it with pictures of family and friends. The last photo is a pic of my mom with one of my amazing Nurses, my poor mom has had no sleep. <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyHMAGthU3ziWVPeRDeSyEo5s-NGOF45MIc9H4SNw2AjtU9lnRrPqHYw82zEcyhM5q8veOFtAFCv7LyCRm7elxckdvXv2hdmYf0287VicjiGKed5A2sup96mU12fqoThZibvhklz63cI/s640/blogger-image-1623099119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyHMAGthU3ziWVPeRDeSyEo5s-NGOF45MIc9H4SNw2AjtU9lnRrPqHYw82zEcyhM5q8veOFtAFCv7LyCRm7elxckdvXv2hdmYf0287VicjiGKed5A2sup96mU12fqoThZibvhklz63cI/s640/blogger-image-1623099119.jpg" /></a></div>Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-30147698803744645632012-08-04T20:32:00.001-07:002013-01-25T07:56:40.121-08:00Copper Harbor, Michigan<br />
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We are at Copper Harbor, Michigan. Weather is great, breezy, cool and not too buggy :-).<br />
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We a staying at Fort Wilkins State Park sandwiched between Lake Fanny Hooe and Lake Superior.<br />
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Lake Fanny Hooe is warm and beautiful! Lots of good rock hunting and about fifty feet from our campsite. <br />
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Lake superior is about 100 yards from our site. Brian and I took a drive to the very tip of the peninsula to a cove called Agate Beach :-). The drive was hard back road driving and quite an adventure. <br />
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Below, a fallen tree across the road.<br />
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Below, beautiful flora<br />
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The beach was very remote and we only saw four or five cars the entire day, three of which were work trucks. The area is known for black bears so we brought our bear spray.<br />
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The water is much colder than Lake Fanny Hooe but still nice.<br />
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Ahhh, Agate Beach, we are sure to find some cool rocks here!<br />
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And the cool rocks below... <br />
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Below, the grey stone is called a pudding stone, the first rock I found on the beach :-)<br />
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We will hit the local rock shop to get more books for identifying these rocks and minerals. I think I have at least one Agate and two or three agate chips...proper photos will follow as soon as I confirm my agate is what my keen rock hunting instincts tells me and not just a hunk of limestone( I'm good at finding limestone)<br />
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Below, my rock hunting spot on Lake Fanny Hooe. Quiet, secluded, felt like the end of the earth...sweet :-)<br />
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Mom and dad are staying at uncle Lenard's and Aunt Jan's, and were kind enough to make room for us too. We could only stay a 8 days, but hopefully next time we will get stay longer.<br /><br />Below, telling tall tales around the supper table. :-)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4200.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4200.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wish we could of stayed longer! Miss my momma already!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4201.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4201.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-83586256855600125342012-07-23T19:52:00.001-07:002012-07-24T07:41:51.871-07:00Bones, Bones, or just old RocksNo Internet, or at least not enough to blog with until now :-). Will try to catch up.<br />back in.....awe heck, I have trouble with time, let's just say a few weeks ago ( what month is it anyways?).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4155.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4155.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Was at the Buffalo Gap National Grassland South Dakota and came across some really cool stuff. As an OR nurse I've handle a lot of raw bone and well these rocks looked just like bone to me! <br />I took a piece(s) back to the RV before I realized that 1.) they were possibly fossils 2.) it was illegal to take fossils from a National Grassland. Drats! did I want to keep this beautiful fossil. It looked just like a bone but was a rock! It sounds so simple, but I'd never handled anything like it....fascinating <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4156.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4156.jpg' border='0' width='225' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So the next day we trekked back to the site and put it back. That is when I realized that when I originally picked up that one weathered bone the day before ( the one you see in the photo below), there was another sitting right next to it that I never even noticed! Boy, my powers of observation were so focused on that one bone. I had never expected to see anything so fascinating, let alone another sitting pretty right next to it. Frankly, I thought I was being punked by the locals, it was just too perfect.<br />Below: putting back the bone. The ground still had a perfect indentation so I knew just where to put it :-). Of course, that's when I noticed the other bone<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4157.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4157.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Anyways, we put everything we thought was bone back. I emailed the Forestry Department with pictures of what we saw with latitude and longitude. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/19/2388.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/19/s_2388.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/19/2392.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/19/s_2392.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Below: Lousy picture, but interesting jumble of stuff.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4161.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4161.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Below, some of the bone with petrified wood and some cool rocks. Again, the bone went back to it's home! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4163.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4163.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Below, our second trip to the "bone" site. Felt kinda weird just putting all that cool stuff back on the ground, but that is what the forestry says to do and I didn't want to start my first foray into amateur paleontology as a poacher( is that what you call em?). Hopefully they get to it before the next rain washes it away.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4164.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4164.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I know there was much more to be discovered, but I can only hunt for about an hour then it's time for a/c and rest. I can't wait to be fully recovered from my "ordeal" so much fun to be had, I could of stayed out there all day! Brian was happy as a clam, but kaela, our 16 1/2 year old dog just wanted to hang in the truck.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4165.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4165.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So this is what I had left, lots of petrified wood, cool rocks, some I think might be agates.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4166.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4166.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />RV site near the Grasslands. Next we head for Minnesota to visit mom and dad, then on to Copper Harbor for some real rock hunting fun :-) and some one on one with the great Lake Superior.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4167.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4167.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Below, neat-o picture. Guess what it is?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/23/4168.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/23/s_4168.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Grains of sand... now those are cool little rocks :-)<br />Cheers,<br />Erika and Brian <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-30149503364583242242012-07-05T18:27:00.001-07:002012-07-05T20:01:19.969-07:00Quick shout out to RodneyIt's been one Year since my Brain surgery where they removed "Rodney the stowaway" and friends. <br />Hey Rodney, kiss my grits :-).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/3706.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_3706.jpg' border='0' width='86' height='57' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Erika<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-24004211418669104782012-07-05T13:33:00.001-07:002012-07-05T13:33:29.158-07:00It was during my enchanted days of travel that the idea came to me, which, through the years, has come into my thoughts again and again and always happily—the idea that geology is the music of the earth. <br />— Hans Cloos<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2777.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2777.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='274' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I've lately, as the poem above suggests, been very enthralled with rocks, fossils and meteorites. While traipsing around Wyoming I've picked up some interesting items right off the ground, and plucked from the rivers and streams.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2782.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2782.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yesterday, Brian's Geologist friend Chris spent 4th of July with us. It was a lot of fun, we watched the parade and then came back to the RV for bratwurst and potato salad. Eventhough it was Chris's day off, Chris went through all my rocks, explained what they were, how they were formed, even where they came from. Very cool!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2783.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2783.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Chris teaches every summer up at Timber Lake Ranch and lives in Virginia the rest of the year. Pretty good gig :-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2784.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2784.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />( back to my rocks)<br />My most exciting find was a gastrolith. Gastroliths are stones that dinosaurs eat to aid in digestion. I thought I had Jasper:-) But instead it is a chert stone swallowed most likely by a brachiosaurus in the Jurassic period!!( two exclamations are in order, and I am restraining myself you see). BUT for full disclosure I must say the only problem with my specimen is that I put olive oil on it about a week ago to bring out the colors better. Chris does thinks it is a gastrolith out of the Morrison formation, says it does taint the authenticity a bit, but still has no problem saying it is a real gastrolith. All the other markers are there. :-). Chris also happened to of found a gastrolith just the other day a few miles from where I found mine and was kind enough to give it to me. So I have TWO gastroliths...my stoneths runneth over :-) ( He He I love geology humor). It took great restain on my part not to put them under my pillow last night as I slept...you understand right? These rocks were inside DINOSAURS! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2785.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2785.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2786.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2786.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2787.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2787.jpg' border='0' width='220' height='272' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2788.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2788.jpg' border='0' width='259' height='194' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another find which Chris called my most interesting piece is a fossilized sand ripple. The picture will not do it justice but will try anyways. You know how sand can make a ripple pattern from the wind and waves? Well this is a fossilized sand ripple....too cool.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2789.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2789.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Above, example of sand ripples<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2790.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2790.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My fossilized sand ripple. Like I said, the picture just doesn't do it justice.<br /> Oh and my earlier post of a rock that I thought was a fossil was actually uh er fossilized mud :-) <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/2791.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_2791.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What you see is 510 million year old limestone mud. The mud would dry and flake off from the wind and the flakes would sink into the mud. The official name is Flat pebble conglomerate. Well if you are still reading this your eyes are glazed so I won't show any more rocks, though I could if you want me to......no? ello? ello? Anyone there? Did I loose you at 510 million year old limestone? Well the Devils Tower is next, gotta be some good stuff around there so girdle your loins!<br /><br />Adieu <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-53884333440666092272012-07-05T10:32:00.001-07:002012-07-05T10:32:52.051-07:00Blog<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/1802.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_1802.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='162' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm still having trouble with my blog software. Some of my parade pictures were erased and some were duplicated, sorry. I think the iPad is not the best for blogging, maybe when I get up to Minnesota I will sit down with a real computer and try to clean up all of the errors...but that is a lot if work....:-)<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-57767968603279675862012-07-04T15:30:00.001-07:002012-07-05T10:33:55.968-07:00HAPPY 4th of July!!PARADE IN DUBOIS, WYOMING<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/52.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_52.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/53.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_53.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/54.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_54.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/1804.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_1804.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/04/3479.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/04/s_3479.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/04/3480.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/04/s_3480.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/04/3481.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/04/s_3481.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/56.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_56.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/04/3482.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/04/s_3482.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/57.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_57.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/04/3484.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/04/s_3484.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/05/59.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/05/s_59.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/04/3486.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/04/s_3486.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-86005587467606295862012-06-29T13:43:00.001-07:002012-06-29T13:44:45.326-07:00Buffalo Bill State ParkWe are up in Cody at Buffalo Bill State Park. We love out Truck tent made by sportz .<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/29/2664.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/29/s_2664.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/29/2665.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/29/s_2665.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/29/2666.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/29/s_2666.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/29/2667.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/29/s_2667.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/29/2674.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/29/s_2674.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My favorite place is combing the shore for cool rocks and driftwood. There is an endless stream of new wood washing up, driftwood heaven.<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-6670541011823321712012-06-27T18:53:00.001-07:002012-06-27T18:53:38.191-07:00Rocks, Cool Cool RocksEver since setting foot in Wyoming I can't stop picking up the cool rocks scattered all around the ground. Whether it's in the driveway of the RV park, or out in the wild. I've even dug around an icy creek up in the mountains, I just can't resist these wonderful diverse rocks.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/27/3429.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/27/s_3429.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> I have no idea what they are, not sure where to begin. I know they are run of the mill Wyoming rocks, I guess that is why I like em so much, every time I look at them I will think of beautiful Wyoming.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/27/3432.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/27/s_3432.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/27/3434.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/27/s_3434.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This guy just fascinates me, what caused the marks, fossils? Crystals? I found this one in Torrey creek up in the Wind River basin. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/27/3435.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/27/s_3435.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Below is NOT stuff I found but was given to Brian and I by an amateur geologist and fellow RVer. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/27/3436.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/27/s_3436.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Above desert Roses, these are crystals that grow on the desert floor...very cool<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/27/3437.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/27/s_3437.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Above, in the box at 9 o'clock Apache tears ( volcanic glass), the pink necklace is a pink sapphire, at the bottom the clear glass looking rock is called a moon rock. Then, drum roll!! my absolute favorite, the long rock is actually 1.7 billion year old algae! I'll probably take it to a professional and see if a slice can be taken from it to make into a necklace. I am Ocean Girl after all :-) I practically slept with my algae rock the first few nights I had it, I couldn't tear my eyes off if it, it is just too cool!! now it sits in a place of honor under our big rear window of the RV.<br /><br />We are heading to Wind River Gorge to truck camp so hopefully more rocks to come :-)<br />E<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-40194645964560160872012-06-25T17:03:00.001-07:002012-06-25T17:03:49.917-07:00Staying at Longhorn RV Park in Dubois Wyoming<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/25/3683.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/25/s_3683.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wind river. Lots of geese and a beaver across the way :-)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/25/3684.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/25/s_3684.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Nice little view from the slide out window<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/25/3685.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/25/s_3685.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That is Whiskey Mountain way in the background.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-43445422161189851592012-06-22T11:42:00.001-07:002012-06-22T11:42:15.473-07:00Jump forward, in WyomingWe are in beautiful Wyoming. Sorry don't have time to write so will just post some fun pictures of how we got here with captions.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2008.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2008.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The campground we stayed in Colorado <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2009.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2009.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Garden Of The Gods. Very pretty.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2010.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2010.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Enjoying a little sunshine and a kiss in the Garden Of the Gods.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2011.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2011.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ahhh now we get to the real good stuff!!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2012.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2012.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kickin back checking out the Wind River Mountains<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2013.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2013.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This butterfly flew around me for five minutes, sometimes trying to land on my hand which I had stretched out because I was holding the iPad to film him. I was a fun moment me twirling in circles trying to keep him in camera range.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2015.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2015.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our campsite. We left the RV behind too camp in the very remote site. We slept under the stars in the bed of the truck( Brian had bought us an air mattress that fit the truck bed)<br /> So fun!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2019.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2019.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And had a campfire to keep us warm :-)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2021.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2021.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Brian is in his glory! He is half mountain man half ocean man. ( good combo!)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2022.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2022.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kaela is also in her glory, she acts like a two year old, not the 16 1/2 we all know her to be. She slept in the truck, I was too worried about coyotes.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2023.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2023.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We hiked a 'mini' hike. One hour up and one hour down. Brian said I did much better than he expected and went at a very good pace. I'm trying to impress him with my mountain girl qualities, though getting over brain surgery is getting in the way a bit. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2024.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2024.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> The beauty is unbelievable, I really prefer this to the Tetons.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2025.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2025.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2026.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2026.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Torrey creek ( waterfall at this point :-) )<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2027.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2027.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/2028.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_2028.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Grizzly Bear and her cub on togwotee pass<br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-53441619936678471182012-06-22T01:06:00.001-07:002012-06-22T01:06:58.044-07:00Ocean Girl ( the boat) is sold~~OCEAN GIRL~~ Is Sold <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/92.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_92.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I will miss that boat, I think she went to a good home. If the new owner reads this and has any questions, I would be glad to help in any way. oceangirlcd30@yahoo.com<br /><br />Some leftover issues that may help:<br />Holding tank, head, and hoses is new, I got the tank from Ronco it is templated from the original version. I have had an odor problem ever since a little six year old boy came aboard and used the head ( don't ask me what he did) if you have odor trouble, check the vent and the pick up tube. I keep the thru hull closed b/c I rigged the vented loop to be able to draw sea water ( I don't trust vented loops!!). On a port tack, if the joker valve dies it may leak into the head. Fair warning :-)<br /><br />The autopilot works beautifully but was hard wired really weird so I removed it. Once you remount, it's best NOT to store it in the locked(on) position or it may freeze the helm( the belt sticks in position) use the normal edson helm brake. When I bought the boat the autohelm had been sitting for a long time in the locked position it took a good yank to get the belt to get unstuck. I actually removed it the unit always after seeing the wiring set up.<br /><br />I have the original +1 survey( not including the one I already gave you) you are welcome to them. It may take a while to get them to you, I will not be back in Texas till October.<br /><br />To fill the water tanks on the port side you fill straight onto tanks, the deck fill hose is original and leaked so I capped it. The starboard tank I cleaned but didn't use or get a chance to work on.<br /><br />The fill for the fuel tank is seized so I fill straight into tank. I had a friend come over and try to un seize it. As you can see from the crazing he put way to much torque on the fitting, I should of just removed the whole fitting and soaked it in PBblaster or something.<br /><br />The bowsprit is new. The teak I pick out myself with the help of an expert friend. It came from a 9 foot plank 2 3/4 thick. I replaced all ss with silicon bronze carriage bolts. I kept the extra length on the bowsprit incase you wanted to move the forestay forward to increase J measurement and to relieve some weather helm ( through research you will find some cape dory folks did this and were quite happy with the results). Or you can chop the extra 11 inches off the bowsprit and add a nice anchor roller ( Spartan makes a beautiful one). The plank was already well seasoned and did not need a marine finish, you should only see some minor checking but that us all. A nice washing with murphy's oil soap and salt water is the best for bare teak. No bristles should be used, it digs out the soft grain which is bad, 3M pad or sponge only ( I was a varnish lady for ten years) This bowsprit is strong, you can pick the whole boat up with it!! <br /><br />I hope this didn't come off preachy. This is your boat now. There are projects I'm very proud of and there are some projects aboard that I'm not so proud of, you can probably spot these by the tell tale duct tape :-) Sorry!<br /><br /><br /><br />There is more just write me if you'd like, if not that is OK.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/95.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_95.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cheers and Godspeed to many adventures aboard your fine yacht.<br /><br />OCEAN GIRL (the girl)<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-31071314752507027822012-05-17T11:29:00.001-07:002012-05-17T16:06:23.327-07:00Ocean girl update, At the Beach, and Other Happenings<br />
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I was just at the beach. Brian and I have had our RV on the beach for a few weeks now after being inland for many months. Swimming in the ocean awoke something in me. Something I had to tuck away before they moved me onto that gurney and rolled me into that operating room. Silly. I was surprised and baffled that all the medications and the doctors visits and all the physical therapy wasn't helping me. I had plateau'd in my recovery. Nothing I did seemed to help, I followed every hair brained idea the docs had, even when I knew darn well I didn't need yet another stupid pill. Lord I am tired of pills!<br />
But that the simple act of walking out into those breaking waves letting each one crash around me. The beautiful bluish green water, sagrasso seaweed floating about. I felt that old childish joy, the wonder of it all, the ocean. But again, Silly. My nickname is Ocean Girl, why am I surprised the real healing wouldn't begin until I could get my ass back on/in the water? It is about the ocean, it has always been about the ocean.<br />
Sorry for the rant, but I haven't done it in a while so figure I was overdue anyway :-).<br />
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Brian is great, he swims with me too, that boy has saltwater in his veins I tell ya. This weekend is 'Boys' weekend. Brian and a bunch of his friends are taking Rain Dog out for a weekend sail and getaway.<br />
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Brian's nephews, his sister and brother-in-law were down for the weekend. Brian, my niece and I stayed on Rain Dog. Rebecca (Brian's sister) and family stayed at the RV. Avery (Rebecca's father-in-law) was also here, along with Abbey and Ron, with kids Roxy and Sly ( friends from Austin) Whew! So as you can see we had quite a crew! <br />
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I was a bit overwhelmed by it all, but my niece and I had a blast boogie boarding and flying kites on the beach. The first day the waves were rippin ( is that the right word?) I saw two small sharks between the first and second sandbar, but big not enough to get out of the water, they were probably 2-3 ft long( little babies!) Though as I write this I realize that the parents of my niece may read this, them being landlubbers may not quite understand or find this amusing. Anyways, Brian also took them sailing and on the Dolphin watch boat. <br />
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We are headed inland for a few months ( gulp). We are going to Wyoming , Minisota , and Michigan so will be in some really beautiful places. In September we are planning a Caribbean trip, not sure where, still hurricane season so no time to take Rain Dog, maybe fly out to the Exumas to scope out the joint for our next trip in RD. Maybe catch up with some friends on one of the islands. I've been wanting to visit 'See Yawl Later' a catamaran that used to live at our marina up in Kemah. Not sure, I am sure I need some warm tropical water before the long winter. Sabbatical ends October....maybe :-) <br />
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This is from an Australian poet Michael Leunig. This poem kinda grabbed me. The frustrations of a slow recovery, especially when it involves the brain, critical thinking, and higher functioning. To know I'm not functioning the way I was before surgery. It is a bit surreal. The other day I was fighting with the remote control, had me in tears because the damn thing was out smarting me. I was flashing to my grandpa fighting with the VCR.. Yep, I was crying over a remote control. Btw the very next night was joking with my husband about physics and made a quark joke. So all my cylinders must be firing, just not all the time....<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLBaGhv5GJy4Lf4pzhPxhyTNuGOv9_av8kJAsHt9sJsMZ2CZo2-xNZp-it2JPheuKYthcEeJ3Cq1whuXHFF32l6HUIVY874is4swFkHcCwYHjey7alMyvPQ5sfdOfU_3D4d4Uvnti0Xt9/s640/blogger-image--1549367408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLBaGhv5GJy4Lf4pzhPxhyTNuGOv9_av8kJAsHt9sJsMZ2CZo2-xNZp-it2JPheuKYthcEeJ3Cq1whuXHFF32l6HUIVY874is4swFkHcCwYHjey7alMyvPQ5sfdOfU_3D4d4Uvnti0Xt9/s640/blogger-image--1549367408.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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"It's out there at sea that you are really yourself."<br />
-Vito DumasBrian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-47024358917896846112012-04-30T16:51:00.001-07:002012-04-30T16:51:23.908-07:00Moving Rain Dog and Woop WoopWe have decided to move Rain Dog down to Port Aransas. It is prettier there, cheaper rent, still a good jumping off point for Mexico, Florida, etc.<br /><br />This winter, after we get back from our landlubbering around the US, we will focus on a boat refit. Brian wants to pull the mast and rebuild the Tangs and chainplates. I want to pull all the thru hulls and rebuild or replace where needed.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/30/3238.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/30/s_3238.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Rain Dog passing through Rockport on her way to Port Aransas. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/30/3239.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/30/s_3239.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Above, our friend Joe who helped Brian bring Rain Dog to Rockport.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/30/3240.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/30/s_3240.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> We brought Woop Woop onto the island ( Port Aransas). Her first ferry ride :).<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/30/3241.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/30/s_3241.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Woop Woop is staying at an RV park just a minute bike ride from the marina :-) and right on the beach.<br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-39144283055562118182012-04-30T16:12:00.001-07:002012-04-30T16:12:26.821-07:00RockportWe are in Rockport. We tried to get into Port Aransas but the International Sand Castle competition is going on so everyone is booked solid.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/30/3149.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/30/s_3149.jpg' border='0' width='188' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So, we find ourselves in Rockport, at this adorable little RV park, family owned, quiet, and small. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/30/3150.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/30/s_3150.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-54359159859836110622012-04-02T17:19:00.001-07:002012-04-02T17:24:42.215-07:00We are in Brookshire, Texas<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/02/3082.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/02/s_3082.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />(view from our back RV window)<br />Brookshire is a neat little ole town. If you are ever in the neighborhood be sure to visit <a target="_blank" href="http://brookwoodcommunity.org/">Brookwood</a> community, they have a nice restaurant ( make reservations ), beautiful gardens and nursery, and a really unique gift shop packed full of local Texas artist creations. Plus the winter Christmas shop is something not to be missed ( I am told ). The best thing I like about Brookwood is there work with the disabled ( their mission-Through the Grace of God, The Brookwood Community provides an educational environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with disabilities.) <br />We are in brookshire til Wednesday, then onto Kemah to work on the boat. Brian's parents are meeting us down there to go sailing. I've been in bed most of the day today, the traveling yesterday brought on a monster migraine :-(, but it seems to be going away. So, in light of my pansy self, who gets migraines from 200 mile travel days, Brian and I are considering skipping some stops on our summer fun trip, and staying longer at the places we do stop at. Right now the idea is: one month in Utah and one month in Wyoming. Then over to Minnesota to uncle Lenard and Aunt Jans for a 'spell', and finally over to Michigan for a family reunion, a wedding ( of which Brian is officiating :-) ), and lots catching up with old friends. <br /><br />Back to Texas in the fall to start work again. Gosh I hope I can finally get back to work, who would of guessed it would take over a year to recover from brain surgery! ( half joke / half totally serious! ).<br />Hope all is well with everyone.<br />Hugs,<br />Erika<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-9816714762352169312012-04-01T13:28:00.001-07:002012-04-01T13:28:57.422-07:00Goodbye Georgetown<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/01/2578.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/01/s_2578.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Headed for Brookshire ( next to Katy ). Katy is where a lot of my family are and also most of my doctors are in there too. This week I have a neurologist appointment. This doctor Has done a great job of getting my head pain down to a dull thud :-). I do seem to be able to do more and more everyday. The sun still kills me but that just needs time ( says the doctor ). So I'm still in hiding from the photons.<br /> Brian is doing great, getting a feel for towing Woop Woop. We took the sway bar off completely, due to the terrible noises it was making. Brian will put it back on and readjust after this short trip to brookshire. We will have it on for our jaunt down to kemah, see if it really makes a difference. Today is pretty breezy<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-31141141524205809182012-03-31T05:38:00.008-07:002012-03-31T13:48:37.804-07:00Hitch gear making a racket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WmJB1zyN8H8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-50603156225388572562012-03-30T16:08:00.001-07:002012-03-30T16:08:18.243-07:00Buying Woop Woop ( the play by play) :-)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/1679.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_1679.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />9 am<br />We are at the bank, brian is getting a cashiers check for the full amount.<br /><br />9:55<br />Doing the walk through, everything looks good minus a loose bolt for the TV mount and a non functioning latch on a cabinet.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/1680.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_1680.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />10:30<br />At the office, ready to dish out some mula.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/1682.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_1682.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />11:15<br />Everything is signed and paid for, now Carlos shows us how to hitch up with our new distribution hitch ( fancy schmancy hitch). Going to film it so we can have a reference.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/1683.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_1683.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/1684.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_1684.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />YOUTUBE OF DISTRIBUTION HITCH....... To be added by hubby soon<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/2471.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_2471.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />1:00 pm<br /><br />Eating at Cotton Patch, exhausted, hungry, happy to have our new home. The truck tows the trailer really well, a little sway, but I think we just need to get used to the bigger rig. The sway bar makes a racket when turning, so not sure what to do about that.<br /><br />Will be home in an hour to start moving out of Buttercup and into Woop Woop Ozzy Bearden ( full name of trailer :-) )<br /><br />3pm<br />Cleaned out Buttercup<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/2472.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_2472.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />6pm<br /><br />Sweaty and tired sitting in our brand new home :-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/2473.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_2473.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-35325997109622701732012-03-24T08:31:00.001-07:002012-03-24T08:31:12.119-07:00FamilyJust wanted to post a picture of our latest RV site. There is Buttercup ( tiny RV) then Brian's parents RV, and then my parents RV ( they call it Tigger Too).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/24/1285.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/24/s_1285.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-79874837569664989452012-03-23T17:11:00.001-07:002012-03-23T17:56:36.911-07:00Walk in the parkActually we rode our bikes at San Gabriel park in Georgetown Texas. It was the first time I've taken a bike outing since surgery :-). Went really well. We went with Brian's parents and rode along the river under the shady trees. Some really pretty flowers along the way, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of them. Brian's mom and I only biked a half mile to keep my migraine at bay, apparently if I exercise too much too soon it brings on a migraine. Anyways, all went well, frolicking in the sunshine, with my dark sunglasses and big floppy hat.<br />Here is a picture of a pretty part of the river. All rock bottom and my shadow made for an interesting shot.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/23/2770.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/23/s_2770.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='132' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This little funny face flower just made me giggle, don't know what he is, I'm an ocean girl you see, land stuff is a bit foreign. I searched the Internet but couldn't find out what the little guy is.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/23/2730.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/23/s_2730.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Below, Brian and his father back from a long ride :-)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/23/2735.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/23/s_2735.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And then there is Kaela, always on the look out for her beloved Brian ( I get the same look when he is gone too).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/23/2736.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/23/s_2736.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Cheers,<br />Erika<br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119979165740624203.post-35093115250123109472012-03-22T16:23:00.001-07:002012-03-25T06:26:31.523-07:00Meet Brian and Erika<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/2997.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_2997.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Brian, a handsome and dashing computer programmer. Born and raised in Michigan. He traveled internationally and locally in his twenties until wandering down to Austin Texas where he made his home for over 10 years. He then bought a bluewater sailboat, a Pacific Seacraft Crealock 34 and named her Rain Dog, sold all his worldly possessions, and moved onto Rain Dog. Rain Dog is berthed in Kemah, Texas.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/2998.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_2998.jpg' border='0' width='278' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Erika ( Wife) before falling head over heels for Brian, she lived aboard a Cape Dory 30. She is also an operating room nurse. A few weeks after Brian proposed to Erika to be his wife the docs found some tumors around her pituitary. After a complicated surgery to remove the little bastads, Erika began to slowly recover. Ongoing issues which get better every day, are migraines and light sensitivity, so you will usually see her with big dark sunglasses and a floppy hat.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/2999.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_2999.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='219' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The recovery from brain surgery required Brian and Erika to move off of their beloved Rain Dog and onto a cute adorable RV aptly named Buttercup ( see photo below ). B and E ( brian and erika )loved the RV life so much, they decided the buy a bigger one to travel in while waiting out hurricane season. Rain Dog must tuck into a safe port every year during hurricane season, so why not do a little land travel?<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3000.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3000.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br />Buttercup <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3001.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3001.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Last but not least of the clan their dog Kaela, she just turned 16 and is the sweetest old bag of bones! She loves to travel in the RV but is too old for trips aboard Rain Dog.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3002.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3002.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So here we are, about to move into a big beautiful RV and go play. I ( Erika) will be doing most of the blogging and you will have to bear with me with typos and mis-spelled words( I had brain surgery after all!).<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Brian and Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008312875156149565noreply@blogger.com2